Back Up Power
We provide reliable backup power solutions to keep your home or business running during power outages.
Our services include the supply and installation of solar panels, inverters, lithium batteries, gel batteries and related power systems.
We offer tailored solutions to meet your energy requirements and ensure greater power reliability.
Our focus is on providing efficient, dependable and cost-effective energy solutions.
Stay powered, protected and prepared with our backup power systems.
What Is Backup Power?
Backup power is a system that provides electricity when the normal power supply is interrupted or unavailable. It helps homes and businesses continue operating essential electrical equipment during power outages, load-shedding events and other interruptions to the electricity supply.
Backup power solutions can include solar panels, inverters, lithium batteries, gel batteries, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and generators. Depending on the system design, these components can work together to provide stored electricity, generate power from sunlight or supply electricity from an alternative source.
For residential and commercial properties, backup power can help maintain essential services such as lighting, internet connectivity, security systems, computers, refrigeration and selected appliances.
South Africa's electricity sector recognises renewable energy and battery storage as technologies that can support electricity supply and improve energy security. The South African government's energy planning resources discuss solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage as components of a diversified energy supply.
What Does a Backup Power Service Include?
Backup power is not a single product. It involves selecting, installing and configuring equipment to meet the electricity requirements of a particular property.
Depending on the services offered, a backup power provider may supply and install the following systems.
Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic technology.
They can form part of a backup power system by generating electricity during daylight hours. When combined with suitable battery storage and an appropriately configured inverter, solar panels can help power a property and recharge its batteries.
Solar energy systems can be designed for residential homes, offices, retail premises, warehouses and industrial facilities.
Important consideration: Solar panels alone do not necessarily provide electricity during a power outage. The system must be designed to operate safely during an outage, with compatible equipment and suitable storage or another available power source.
Inverters
An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC), which is used by most conventional household and commercial electrical equipment.
In a backup power installation, the inverter manages the supply of electricity from compatible sources, such as batteries, solar panels and the electricity grid, depending on its design.
Different inverter types serve different purposes:
- Hybrid inverters: Can integrate compatible solar panels, battery storage and grid electricity.
- Battery inverters: Convert stored battery power into usable AC electricity.
- Off-grid inverters: Form part of systems designed to operate independently of the public electricity grid.
- UPS inverters: Provide backup power for selected equipment, depending on the system's design and specifications.
Choosing an appropriate inverter involves considering the required electrical load, starting currents, battery compatibility and expected backup duration.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory explains the role of power electronics, including inverters, in connecting solar generation and battery storage to electrical systems.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries store electrical energy for later use.
In backup power systems, they can store electricity generated by solar panels or supplied by the electricity grid. The stored energy can then be used when the normal electricity supply is unavailable.
Lithium batteries are commonly used in modern solar and inverter installations because suitable models can provide substantial usable energy and support repeated charging and discharging.
However, performance depends on the battery chemistry, capacity, operating conditions, charging arrangements and battery management system.
When selecting a lithium battery, important considerations include:
- Storage capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Maximum charging and discharging power.
- Compatibility with the inverter.
- Manufacturer specifications and warranty.
- Expected operating conditions and service life.
Battery storage can improve the usefulness of solar power by allowing electricity generated at one time to be used later. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory provides technical resources on battery storage and photovoltaic systems.
Gel Batteries
Gel batteries are a type of sealed lead-acid battery that uses an electrolyte in gel form.
They can be used in certain backup power applications, including compatible inverter and standby systems.
As with other battery technologies, the suitability of a gel battery depends on the intended application, charging requirements, expected discharge depth and maintenance conditions.
When comparing gel batteries with lithium batteries, it is important to consider the complete system rather than price alone. Usable capacity, charging performance, operating conditions, expected service life and warranty can all affect the long-term value of an installation.
Important distinction: Gel batteries and lithium batteries are different technologies. They should not be treated as interchangeable without checking equipment compatibility and the manufacturer's requirements.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs)
A UPS provides backup electricity to connected equipment when the normal supply fails.
UPS systems are particularly useful for equipment that requires a continuous or near-continuous supply of electricity, such as computers, communication equipment and selected electronic devices.
Depending on the design and capacity, a UPS may provide enough time for equipment to continue operating temporarily or shut down safely.
UPS systems can also be used alongside larger backup power installations where appropriate.
Eskom identifies battery-backed systems and UPS-supported equipment as examples of electrical devices that may continue operating during a power interruption.
Integrated Backup Power Systems
An integrated system combines compatible equipment to provide a more complete power solution.
For example, a residential installation may include:
- Solar panels to generate electricity.
- A hybrid inverter to manage the power supply.
- Lithium or gel batteries to store electricity.
- A distribution arrangement for selected backup circuits.
Commercial systems may require greater capacity to support offices, retail premises, workshops, warehouses or other business operations.
The correct configuration depends on the property, its electrical requirements, the available installation space and the client's budget.
Why Is Backup Power Important?
Backup power can help residential and commercial customers maintain access to essential electricity during interruptions to the normal supply.
Maintaining Essential Operations
A suitable system can keep selected equipment operating during a power outage, helping reduce disruption to everyday activities and business operations.
Supporting Security Systems
Power interruptions can affect electric gates, garage doors, alarms, CCTV systems and access-control equipment if suitable backup power is unavailable.
Eskom specifically recommends checking that batteries supporting security systems and electrically operated gates are in good condition.
For a security company, this is particularly relevant because maintaining power to selected security equipment can help preserve important protective functions during an outage.
However, backup power alone does not guarantee that a security system will remain fully operational. The equipment, communications, battery condition and system configuration must also be suitable.
Improving Business Continuity
Businesses that rely on computers, internet connectivity, point-of-sale systems, refrigeration or other essential equipment may experience disruption when electricity is unavailable.
A correctly designed backup power system can help reduce interruptions by keeping selected loads operational.
The amount of equipment that can remain powered, and for how long, depends on the installed system's capacity and the electricity demand.
Using Solar Energy More Effectively
When solar panels and battery storage are installed together, excess electricity generated during suitable conditions can be stored for later use, subject to the system's configuration and available capacity.
This can help customers make greater use of solar-generated electricity.
However, savings on electricity bills are not guaranteed. They depend on factors such as installation cost, electricity tariffs, energy consumption, solar production, battery efficiency and system maintenance.
Backup Power in South Africa: Important Considerations
For a company providing backup power services in South Africa, it is important to understand the local regulatory and installation requirements.
Electrical Installation Compliance
Electrical installations must comply with the applicable South African electrical safety requirements.
Depending on the work involved, the installation may require appropriate professional assessment, testing, certification and documentation.
A backup power system should be installed and commissioned by suitably qualified personnel, with the applicable legal requirements and equipment specifications taken into account.
Equipment Compatibility
Not every inverter works with every battery, and not every solar panel configuration is suitable for every installation.
A reliable installation should take account of:
- Inverter and battery compatibility.
- Required electrical capacity.
- Battery charging and protection requirements.
- Safe isolation and changeover arrangements.
- Applicable electrical installation requirements.
- Manufacturer instructions and warranty conditions.
Maintenance and Performance
Backup power equipment requires appropriate inspection and maintenance to support safe and reliable operation.
Maintenance may include checking connections, reviewing system performance, inspecting batteries and confirming that protective devices operate correctly.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's publication on photovoltaic and energy-storage operations and maintenance discusses the importance of structured maintenance practices and appropriate system design.